Identifying sex of Hollies. - Knowledgebase Question

Miramar Beach, Fl
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Question by kaffsmom
May 13, 2009
I have what is labeled a female Fosters Holly that apparently needs a male Holly to produce berries. My local Home Depot does not sell Hollies with the sex identified. Is there some way that I can make the id? Thanks. Kit Jenkins


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Answer from NGA
May 13, 2009
Hollies are dioecious (separate male and female plants). However, Foster holly is one of the few hollies in which female plants will produce fruit without fertilization from a male pollinator. Botanically speaking, it is parthenocarpic (from Greek, parthenos meaning virgin and karpos meaning fruit). Therefore, it is unnecessary to purchase a male Foster holly for your landscape.

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